*Editors correction on Bill Concannon update: An earlier version of this story described Mr. Concannon as scheduled for “sentencing”, when in fact he has not been found guilty by the court, and as such there is to be no sentencing. The author of the article extends their apologies for the unintentional misrepresentation of facts. The matter is returning to court on April 15th 2025.
BILLINGS—A local resident known for his online presence and frequent commentary on municipal affairs is continuing to face legal proceedings following charges laid last year.
Bill Concannon, 57, of Gore Bay, was arrested on April 11, 2024, and charged with two counts of criminal harassment following an investigation by the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The investigation was initiated after Billings Township staff reported repeated and unwanted communications from a member of the public.
Mr. Concannon is the administrator of the Facebook group ‘What’s Doin’ on the Manitoulin,’ a platform with significant local visibility. His arrest followed a police search during which electronic devices were seized for evidence.
The case has since expanded in scope, with the defence receiving over 300 pages of disclosure materials. At a hearing on November 20, 2024 Justice Wolfe granted the defence an adjournment to review the documents and reassess its witness list. The matter was scheduled to return to court for case management on December 10, 2024.
Mr. Concannon has been an outspoken critic of Billings Township and has drawn attention in the past for his online remarks regarding municipal policies, including a bylaw prohibiting video recordings in council chambers—a measure he has publicly referenced to be about himself.
His legal proceedings continue, with a court appearance that had been scheduled for April 1, 2025, now postponed to April 15.
Mr. Concannon has launched a crowdfunding campaign via GiveSendGo, citing a $15,000 goal for legal expenses. As of this writing, the campaign has raised $1,255 over the past six months.
The case underscores the evolving relationship between digital platforms and public discourse, as well as the legal boundaries around persistent communication in civic contexts.
